The enigma of crustal zircons in upper-mantle rocks: Clues from the Tumut ophiolite, southeast Australia

Abstract

We suggest a new explanation for the presence of crustally derived zircons in the upper-mantle rocks of ophiolitic complexes, as an alternative to subduction-related models. Integrated isotopic (U-Pb, Hf, and O isotopes) and trace-element data for zircons from the Tumut ophiolitic complex (southeast Australia) indicate that these grains are related to granitic magmatism and were introduced into the mantle rocks after their emplacement into the crust. These observations emphasize that a clear understanding of the origin of individual zircon populations and their relationship to the host rock is essential to interpretations of the tectonic history of upper-mantle rocks and the dynamics of crust-mantle interactions.